I know I'll have to comment this movie on a future occasion,but,for now,I want to state at least some things about it."Keoma" is a very mocked movie,even scorned,despised.Nero might have seemed to look somehow ridiculous,with his long hair and big hat;but he's not.The score could have sound ridiculous.But it does not.Various rigmaroles have been told about this unique,respectable and ambitious film which is thought by some to be ...religious.It's not.
The story of a halfbreed,a half-Indian,"Keoma" is a powerful and accomplished movie.It gets even at the poetry of the innocent happiness,although for only a few moments (Nero riding across the hilly country,once he has rescued Mrs.Karlatos for the second time). The photography is fine.
Does "Keoma" lack humor?No,because it's not supposed to have any. "Keoma" is one of Nero's best performances (he was the coolest in "Django" ,"L'Uomo,...",and,above all,in" Texas, ...").As for Strode,this is perhaps his finest part. Castellari complained about the lyrics of the soundtrack and said he doesn't like it (because of the lyrics,I guess).Well,I have found the music good enough.The whole movie is,obviously,an essay,and doesn't deserve the harshness of many unfair critics.OK,the music could be improved;but,as it is,it's not shameful,it's not bad.Let's not make too much out of that music!
Castellari has also made a good vigilante movie with Franco Nero ,in '74 ("Il Cittadino...").
Nero has made (only) 14 westerns,in 36 years.Judging by his roles in "Texas,..." and "L'uomo...",he is one of the greatest actors that ever honored the Westerns' sets with their talent."Keoma" is his 11th. Western.
Men like Margheriti,Castellari,Baldi,Fulci,Bazzoni,and many others,are for the European cinema what I. Allen,Siegel,Peckinpah,Aldrich,are for the American one.
In a future comment,I'll discuss "Keoma" more in detail.
